The Quebec government is set to announce emergency funding today to assist individuals facing homelessness, marking its first significant initiative since the Parti Québécois took office as a minority government.
Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has personally taken on the responsibility of addressing homelessness by assuming the role of the minister overseeing this issue.
The release of the funds follows the recent tragic passing of a 66-year-old woman in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, who had recently become homeless. She was discovered unconscious in a ferry terminal washroom on the night of October 4th after seeking refuge from the cold.
After the cabinet swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, St-Pierre Plamondon gathered his ministers to unlock the emergency funding in preparation for the approaching winter season.
Expressing his concerns, St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the urgency of the situation in a post published on Thursday morning, stressing the necessity of being adequately prepared for the colder months.
In response to the urgent need to address housing issues highlighted by the recent tragedy, the Parti Québécois government has committed to reducing homelessness by half by the end of its term in 2030.
Despite ongoing efforts, homelessness remains a pressing issue in the province, with 12,077 visibly homeless individuals reported across 15 regions, according to the latest data from the Health Ministry released in April. The report indicates a 20% increase in visible homelessness in Quebec from 2022 to 2025, resulting in an additional 1,873 people living on the streets.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada expressed satisfaction with the Quebec government’s commitment to providing financial aid for homelessness. She emphasized that her discussions with the premier during the campaign align with the current actions being taken.
As part of Montreal’s cold-weather plan, Mayor Martinez Ferrada has requested an annual contribution of $20 million from the PQ government to combat homelessness. This financial support is crucial for sustaining the nine warming centers that have been opened across seven boroughs to support unhoused individuals. Martinez Ferrada emphasized the need for long-term financial backing from the province to ensure the continuous operation of these facilities throughout the year.
